Expertise and current research performed: CR25 GENAR Institute is a biotechnology SME situated in Turkey. Its activity area is research, development and implementation of biotechnological services and products and performing related commercial and consultancy activities. GENAR Institute aims to transform scientific developments in the area of biotechnology, especially genetics and genomics, into products and services that improves human health, quality of life and performance, and extends life span. GENAR Institute has a broad range of working area, mainly on chronic complex diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, neurodegenerative conditions, etc.; nutrigenetics; pharmacogenetics; pregnancy; child growth and development; sports physiology and aging. The R&D activities focus on understanding the underlying genetic and genomic basis of these conditions and developing products based on targeted prevention, early detection and treatment strategies. GENAR Biotechnology and Molecular Genetics Research and Implementation Laboratories are the first high-throughput molecular genetics laboratory in Turkey, situated in Hacettepe University Science and Technology Park. The laboratory is equipped with recent technology instruments, including a MALDI-TOF based system with high accuracy rates. Several academic research studies, as well as research & development projects are being carried out with various academic centers in Turkey.

Facilities/Equipment: GENAR is equipped with high throughput SNP genotyping facilities including a special MALDI-TOF based mass spectrometer, related genotyping softwares, nanodispenser and 96-384 plates liquid handler (MassARRAY); sequencing facilities with a DNA Sequencer based on capillary electrophoreses (Megabace); conventional gel electrophoreses facilities; various other tools and equipments, such as PCR machines, thermocycler, spectrophotometer, centrifuges, autoclave, laminar flow, etc.

Personnel involved in the project

Principal investigator: Tomris Cesuroglu (F). MD. R&D Coordinator of GENAR Institute. Working in the field of genetics and complex diseases, public health genomics and personalized medicine since 2003, with special interest in preventive models in health care and risk assessment strategies utilizing life style information (nutrient intake, exercise, etc.), personal and family health history, body measurements, phenotypic information with blood and urine parameters and genetic structure of individuals. Interested in public health genomics and its implications in personalized medicine and health care services; and related product and service conceptualization and development.

Serdar Savas (M). MD. Chairman and CEO of ITT. After medical education, training on law and health policy and finance. Working in the field of public health for over 20 years in various levels, such as health center physician, Provincial Health Director, Advisor to the Minister, and Deputy Undersecretary at Ministry of Health in Turkey; and Regional Advisor for Health Care Policies and Systems and later on Deputy Regional Director (DPM) in World Health Organization European Regional Office. Has been working in the field of public health genomics for 5 years. Has founded GENAR Public Health Genomics Institute and its laboratories in 2005 at Hacettepe University Science Park. Steering Committee Member of Public Health Genomics European Network (PHGEN) and Coordinator of PHGEN’s Policy Development for Public Policy and Stakeholder Involvement Group.

Sefayet (Bagiyeva) Karaca (F). BSc in biology, MSc and PhD on Molecular Biology and Genetics. Laboratory Manager of GENAR. Has been working in the field of genetics for 10 years. Worked on molecular pathology of hereditary disorders and functional genomics, mainly in eye health. Skilled in various techniques and technologies, such as SNP genotyping, gene sequencing, linkage analysis, immuncytochemistry, protein detection and quantification, cell culture and expression analysis, related assay developments, and research design in genetic and genomic studies.

Evrim Kocaman (F). BSc in biology, current training on Molecular Biology and Genetics for MSc degree. Research assistant at GENAR. Marco de Langen (M). Technical consultant/technician for GENAR. Training on engineering (Ing.) on Operational Technology and Chemical Technology, incl. Occupational Health in the Netherlands. Working in the field of genetic laboratory processes since 2005. 2nd Research Assistant to be appointed (F/M). MSc or BsC. Training on molecular genetics or biology. Laboratory assistant to be appointed (F/M) BSc or technical school. Training on biology or laboratory techniques.

Recent relevant publications/patents

Bagiyeva S, Marfany G, Gonzalez-Angulo O, Gonzalez-Duarte R. Mutational screening of CYP1B1 in Turkish PCG families and functional analyses of newly detected mutations. Mol Vis. 2007 Aug 27;13:1458-68.

Ozgül RK, Bozkurt B, Orcan S, Bulur B, Bagiyeva S, Irkeç M, Ogüş A. Myocilin mt1 promoter polymorphism in Turkish patients with primary open angle glaucoma. Mol Vis. 2005 Nov 2;11:916-21. Links

Pattern of Cyp1B1 Sequence Variants in Turkish PCG Patients (GL131). 12nd SERI-ARVO Meeting on Research in Vision and Ophthalmology 16-20 Feburary 2005, SINGAPORE. Am. J Ophthalmology March 2005 V-139(Suplement).

Screening for Mutations of CYP1B1 Gene in Turkish Buphtalmos Families. (p.SP227). XIII. Congress of the European Society of Ophthalmology, İstanbul-Turkey ( 2001).